MUMBAI

Mumbai City district, distinct from the suburban areas, encompasses South Mumbai, including areas like Colaba, Fort, and Dadar. With a population of approximately 3.1 million and an area of 157 square kilometers, the district is a commercial and cultural hub (Mumbai City District Administration). The urban environment limits traditional agriculture, but livestock and fisheries remain essential, adapted to the city’s unique context. Livestock activities focus on dairy and poultry, while fisheries are predominantly marine, driven by the coastal location and historical fishing communities like the Kolis.

Livestock rearing in the Mumbai City district is not a primary occupation due to spatial constraints, but supports the dairy and poultry industries.

Dairy farming involves cattle and buffaloes, with breeds like Gir and Murrah being common due to their high milk yield. Urban dairy cooperatives, such as the Mumbai District Central Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union Ltd. (Mumbai Milk Dairy), play a crucial role in supplying milk and milk products to the city. These cooperatives often source milk from dairy farmers in suburban areas like Thane and Palghar, processing and distributing it through outlets such as Aarey Milk Booth. The Aarey Milk Booth, while located in the suburban Goregaon, serves as a key distribution point for Mumbai City residents.

Poultry farming, primarily for eggs and meat, is a growing sector in Mumbai City. Breeds like Kadaknath and Leghorn are reared in small-scale urban settings, supplying eggs to local markets and restaurants. Poultry farming provides a steady income for small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs, with operations often integrated into urban households or small facilities. The Department of Poultry Science at Mumbai Veterinary College supports these efforts through initiatives like providing layer birds and technical inputs to urban farmers (Poultry Science - Mumbai Veterinary College).

Goat and sheep rearing is less common in Mumbai City but exists in some areas, particularly among marginalized communities. These animals are primarily raised for meat, with occasional milk production. The limited space and high cost of urban land restrict large-scale rearing, making this a niche activity.